I want to learn about the performance of caving equipment (in
particular, ropes, carabiners and bolt hangers) left in a wet cave for
extended periods of time (e.g. a year or two). Do ropes lose strength
if (possibly muddy) water runs over them during this time? Why? By how
much? Does the dampness have any effect by itself, even if there is no
water running?

Any test results available?

I have been able to find the following website:

http://bstorage.com/speleo/carab/agecarab.htm

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Request for Question Clarification by techtor-ga on 12 Jul 2003 09:10 PDT

I found a PDF file that describes the characteristics of materials
used in caves and mines. No rope is mentioned though.

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Clarification of Question by tidili-ga on 12 Jul 2003 14:06 PDT

Hi, perhaps I should emphasize that I am not looking for the
characteristics of *new* equipment, but am trying to learn about how
much strength the ropes (the so-called static ropes used in caving),
carabiners, bolts/bolt hangers lose after being left in a wet/damp
cave for long periods of time.

It may be difficult to find a compherensive study pertaining to all
these, but I would be happy if I could find test results especially
for ropes, e.g. a study along the lines of the webpage I gave in the
question originally. Some  research on bolts/bolt hangers or
carabiners other than the one I mentioned above would also be very
helpful.

I will be leaving for a caving expedition in a little more than a
week, and will be using some of the equipment left in the cave a
couple of years ago. I know equipment does deteriorate, and am not
willing to use a rope over which a roaming river ran for two years,
but perhaps I could use one that sits at a dry place for the same
amount of time. But how about dripping water, dripping muddy water?
Dampness, etc.?

Please don't think that I will treat the info I get from google
answers as the absolute truth and put my life in danger relying on it.
Just trying to get some more input to help with my own judgement.

Hi tidili,

I've think you've already found a very good site:

http://www.bstorage.com/speleo/speleo.htm

Have a look at his other articles:

Physics for Cavers: Ropes, Loads, and Energy:
http://bstorage.com/speleo/Pubs/rlenergy/Default.htm

Using the Tools of Science and Industry to Build a Comprehensive
Caving Safety Program:
http://bstorage.com/speleo/Comprehensive/UsingTheTools.htm

I think it is important to remember that when a rope (or anything
else) is tested, the resulting rating will be for the item when new.
There will always be a gradual degradation of material over time even
in ideal conditions, let alone in cold, damp caves.

Happy spelunking,
hummer

Hi hummer,

I, too had seen the other articles on the site, but haven't yet found
the time to read them all. I have sent an email to the guy and asked
about ropes left in a cave, and am waiting for a reply.

I think it would be a service to all the cavers if someone takes ropes
left in wet caves for different lengths of time under different
conditions, and tests them to destruction. I strongly suspect people
have already done this, in fact I found some stuff on some discussion
groups, but not in the form of "research".

Thanks for your interest, happy caving,
tidili

Hi again tidili,

This is the part I was referring to:

Physics for Cavers: Ropes, Loads, and Energy
"Readers should be aware that the curves in Figures 1 and 2 are
roughly accurate for new ropes. A lot of attention has been given to
the reduction in rope strength that occurs with age. However, very
little has been done to assess the change in spring rate, and the
energy handling capability of an old rope. Unfortunately, spring rate
is in most ways much more important for surviving falls than the
strength value. Tests by Smikmator (1986) and Kipp (1979) clearly show
that old rope is stiffer and produces higher loads than a new rope
subject to the same fall. Testing by Stibranyi (1986) on
Czechoslovakian climbing ropes produced the opposite results. Theory
would tend to support the former conclusions, though. Testing by the
German Alpine Club (Microys, 1977) showed a significant increase in
stiffness of new climbing ropes that were cold and wet."
http://bstorage.com/speleo/Pubs/rlenergy/Default.htm

Take care, 
hummer

Hi Hummer, 

In fact I had just come to tell you that following your suggestion, I
read the articles, and in fact found them very helpful. I also noticed
the part you cited. Thanks a lot!

tidili